Enose-based autonomous multi-sensor system for greenhouse gas emission monitoring
Low-cost, portable electronic nose (eNose) system for real-time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural settings. Features integrated multi-sensor board for CO₂, CH₄, light, and temperature with wireless IoT data transmission, enabling remote data access, storage, and analysis as a cost-effective alternative to traditional bulky or expensive emission monitoring methods.
Overview
This solution is a low-cost, autonomous environmental monitoring system designed for deployment in agricultural settings to track greenhouse gas emissions. It addresses the need for affordable, portable alternatives to traditional emission monitoring equipment, which is often expensive, bulky, or reliant on headspace sampling. The system integrates an electronic nose (eNose) based multi-sensor board capable of detecting ambient parameters such as light and temperature alongside chemical parameters including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄). By combining wireless data transmission with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the platform enables continuous remote monitoring, secure data storage, and analysis of agricultural ecosystems.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Integrated multi-sensor board targeting ambient and chemical emissive parameters including CO₂, CH₄, light, and temperature with options for additional sensing
- Low-power design suitable for sustained in-field deployment
- Wireless data transmission through a secure, customizable IoT platform for remote access and storage
- Custom-designed durable, weather-proof enclosure to protect the prototype from environmental factors
- Circuit design and fabrication using printed circuit board (PCB) technology for compact, reliable hardware
- Real-time remote sensing capability validated in commercial greenhouse environments
Technology readiness level
The system has progressed through initial development and validation stages. An integrated multi-sensory board has been built and tested in a controlled environment chamber using nitrogen gas to establish baseline sensor response. A custom enclosure has been designed to protect the prototype against environmental exposure. The prototype has been deployed in a commercial greenhouse for consistent remote monitoring over multiple weeks, with environmental data successfully extracted and analyzed via the IoT platform. Results confirm the effectiveness of the prototype for real-time remote sensing in agricultural settings. Future work includes sensor optimization, further enclosure refinement, expanded in-field testing, and performance benchmarking against traditional emission monitoring methods.
About University of Windsor
The University of Windsor is a comprehensive public research university at the Canadian–U.S. border in Windsor, Ontario. Industry engages through co-op programs that place students year-round and through on-campus prototyping and testing facilities for collaborative development. Its cross-border position provides direct access to the Windsor–Detroit mobility and advanced manufacturing corridor, enabling binational partnerships and convenient site visits. Research is supported by competitive funding from Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial programs and industry sponsorship. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP support, streamlined research agreements, and startup services to move concepts into the market.
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